tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.comments2012-05-31T20:24:48.258-07:00A Moment of your TimeAmanda Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11477536476455501343noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-59107625698838182262012-05-31T20:24:48.258-07:002012-05-31T20:24:48.258-07:00You are awesome.
And you will eat an avocado from ...You are awesome.<br />And you will eat an avocado from that tree. I can&#39;t see any reason why not.Valerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-22667303359476262002012-03-20T17:44:36.531-07:002012-03-20T17:44:36.531-07:00I so very deeply and respectfully envy your wonder...I so very deeply and respectfully envy your wonderful life, and can&#39;t imagine nicer people to be living it!<br /><br />:)Valerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-30889894038587384252012-03-07T00:11:14.664-08:002012-03-07T00:11:14.664-08:00Huge hugs to all of you, Amanda.
It&#39;s too huge...Huge hugs to all of you, Amanda.<br />It&#39;s too huge for my brain to take in. I take my hat off to all of you in Christchurch.<br /><br />&lt;3Valerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-80230129503030782802011-05-31T15:47:30.125-07:002011-05-31T15:47:30.125-07:00Oh, the best state of all.
It&#39;s all possible. ...Oh, the best state of all.<br />It&#39;s all possible. I can&#39;t wait to see what emerges!<br /><br />:)Valerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-60458526691587948752011-05-07T03:16:15.132-07:002011-05-07T03:16:15.132-07:00Oh, I&#39;ve been so looking forward to (and secre...Oh, I&#39;ve been so looking forward to (and secretly hoping for) this post.<br /><br />I&#39;m nursing a red wine in your old stomping ground, feeling so very happy that you guys have found the serenity and community that you so deserve.<br /><br />Love to all four of you from all four of us.<br /><br />:)Valerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-2936940866215417382011-04-13T22:46:49.657-07:002011-04-13T22:46:49.657-07:00I&#39;ve been wondering how you&#39;ve been gettin...I&#39;ve been wondering how you&#39;ve been getting on since the earthquake. Glad you&#39;ve moved to somewhere you feel safer. Looks like you have a beautiful house!<br />I&#39;ve heard good things about Prebbleton School, a few of my classmates have been student teaching there. :)Hollyhttp://adventuresofholly.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-92228298396327261062011-03-18T04:05:32.649-07:002011-03-18T04:05:32.649-07:00Amanda,
We found this book incredibly useful: htt...Amanda,<br /><br />We found this book incredibly useful: http://www.amazon.com/When-Worries-Relaxation-Children-Anxiety/dp/1931282927<br /><br />She also wrote a book, which is a way of quantifying fears and worries called The Five Point Scale: http://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Assisting-Understanding-Interactions-Controlling/dp/1931282528/ref=pd_sim_b_2<br /><br />We have had surges of anxiety, for very different reasons, and these two books really helped Billy manage things in his own way, with our guidance.<br /><br />FWIW, I lost a baby before Billy too, and always wonder whether my anxiety had an effect on Billy&#39;s development. <br /><br />It&#39;s not like we could have stopped it, at any point, because what we wanted to protect so much is what we got - our beautiful, deep hearted, big feeling children.<br /><br />Huge hugs from here, to you and Mia, and Amy and Richard too.<br /><br />I know it won&#39;t be easy, but this too will pass. You will get through this, together. You will find a way. <br /><br />Keep talking, keep thinking. You have a lot of wisdom.Valerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-46822014803119160832011-03-15T18:23:15.009-07:002011-03-15T18:23:15.009-07:00Amanda,
These gigantic brick walls of parenting ar...Amanda,<br />These gigantic brick walls of parenting are tough. I also spend my days vacillating between false promises (everything will be OK), empty guarantees (if you do it today, it will be easier tomorrow) and flat out lies (You will be OK), but for different reasons.<br /><br />I feel your pain, and can only offer platitudes. <br /><br />What I do know, is your openness and honesty and courage will balance out the slightly less positive teaching Mother Nature is providing for them.<br /><br />It&#39;s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep your energy up for the journey to less rattly surroundings.<br /><br />Love from here.Valerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-40416276540040101152011-03-07T00:20:05.321-08:002011-03-07T00:20:05.321-08:00Just sending you a hug.
It&#39;s the seven stages...Just sending you a hug.<br /><br />It&#39;s the seven stages of grieving, all shook up.<br /><br />Love from here.Valerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-78289679051645322012011-03-01T02:10:23.987-08:002011-03-01T02:10:23.987-08:00Dearest Amanda and Richard (and the girls ),
I am...Dearest Amanda and Richard (and the girls ),<br /><br />I am sending you the most enormous hugs, kisses and love and my thoughts.<br /><br />I too have been following everything you have been writing. Amazingly, Richard and I became friends on Fb only days before the earthquake. It must be almost 10 years since we have all been in touch. I tuned in just in time to get my head around the fact that you now had 2 girls, had just moved to NZ and follow your weekend in Sumner and your move and now this. I am constantly in awe of the following: <br />- what life and the universe can throw at us - just how much things can change in such a short period of time<br />- that we never know what is just around the corner/tomorrow/in an hour/ next week etc<br />- just what is important until it is threatened or we are made to face it<br />- how lucky we are<br />- just how much we are able to deal with and that we have the strength and heart to do it.<br /><br />My mother ingrained into my sisters and I the premise that &quot;what doesn&#39;t kill you makes you stronger&quot;. How true. We only learn what we are capable of when tested. You guys are really being tested and my heart goes out to you but at the same time your love for each other and your humanity and strength are beautiful and inspiring things to see. <br /><br />Thousands of people are behind and with you. Many, many love you. I don&#39;t know what you are supposed to be learning or where your choices are taking you but I do believe in faith. I also believe that things happen for a reason but most of all I believe that you can survive nothing without a sense of humour.<br /><br />Keep writing and thank you for doing so.<br /><br />Love, <br /><br />Jennifer<br /><br /><br /> -Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16602975957608210181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-54312009568485861102011-02-26T23:41:01.794-08:002011-02-26T23:41:01.794-08:00Hello,
I followed your link from Valerie (via face...Hello,<br />I followed your link from Valerie (via facebook) and am stunned by your experience. Your bravery at making a big move, and now your bravery in facing such tragedy is simply overwhelming.<br />All the best for the rebuilding and recovery. Sometimes words aren&#39;t enough for these sorts of events. It makes me so grateful for what I have and as you say, reminds me of what is really, truly important.<br />I look forward to reading more from you. <br />I send hugs from another Aussie.DQhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02215903838848050224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-8530237667475627682011-02-26T20:50:55.979-08:002011-02-26T20:50:55.979-08:00Thoughts with you and yours, the strength that you...Thoughts with you and yours, the strength that you are showing, and the love of the area are supreme. Your strength and hnsesty will get you through, your family cohesiveness will also. Hugs from aussieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-66971406365774620732011-02-26T20:43:41.690-08:002011-02-26T20:43:41.690-08:00Amazing words, and amazing strength.
Love to you ...Amazing words, and amazing strength.<br /><br />Love to you guys from us.Valerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-85094021042562992962011-02-26T17:23:44.628-08:002011-02-26T17:23:44.628-08:00Amanda,
I can&#39;t even begin to come up with w...Amanda, <br /><br />I can&#39;t even begin to come up with words to try to encompass what you guys have been through.<br /><br />But I do know that it&#39;s your strength, courage and honest loving guidance that means you now only know you will get through this, but that you have already equipped your daughters with the best life-building strategies of all.<br /><br />Love (and dog hugs) from here.Valerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-47999897339597926442011-02-26T16:52:57.566-08:002011-02-26T16:52:57.566-08:00Amanda and family,
The tears were welling up as ...Amanda and family, <br /><br />The tears were welling up as I read your blog - it&#39;s a nightmare every parent dreads I think, something so catastrophic happening and being away from your kids and loved ones. I am so glad you are all safe and you wrote your experience down, have been thinking about you all ever since it happened.<br />Grace has decided she will donate half of all her savings and she also wants to hold a fundraiser for Christchurch. <br />She got everyone to agree at school meeting that next Friday she can set up a nail painting stall, all money &quot;to go to help people in Christchurch rebuild all the buildings and be safe&quot;. A couple of other kids have volunteered to help too, so please let the girls know they&#39;re not forgotten. <br />We&#39;ll be thinking of you all and wish we were able to physically get in and lend a hand - you can be sure we would. <br /><br />Love<br />Lisa and GraceLisanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-45110137831357045572011-02-26T02:49:42.949-08:002011-02-26T02:49:42.949-08:00Dear Amanda, i am so upset to imagine what this mu...Dear Amanda, i am so upset to imagine what this must have been like for you. I am completely humbled by your vivid and honest description of this absolute nightmare. And i am just so grateful that you are all okay. My heart goes out to you, and prayers that you all remain safe, that the girls are not too scared and that you can all heal and be settled again soon. Much love to you all, Karen xKarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13364614982410067250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-14336457818600923562011-02-21T18:19:07.070-08:002011-02-21T18:19:07.070-08:00I&#39;ve been meaning to catch up for a while now,...I&#39;ve been meaning to catch up for a while now, and oddly chose this morning, just as you were hit by another whammy from mother nature.<br /><br />I love the way you write, and the things you write about. I hope the shakes stop soon.<br /><br />Love from here.Valerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-30012070145059756772011-01-26T15:02:37.215-08:002011-01-26T15:02:37.215-08:00Love that you are feeling like Sumner, and Christc...Love that you are feeling like Sumner, and Christchurch, fit your family. :)<br /><br />Good luck to Mia starting a new school next week. :)Hollyhttp://adventuresofholly.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-38379363913439692102011-01-19T22:24:42.107-08:002011-01-19T22:24:42.107-08:00Heheh I love that theatre! It&#39;s so cute! :DHeheh I love that theatre! It&#39;s so cute! :DHollyhttp://adventuresofholly.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-60395489526758726972011-01-16T14:26:21.018-08:002011-01-16T14:26:21.018-08:00Welcome to Christchurch! :)
I hope you don&#39;t ...Welcome to Christchurch! :)<br /><br />I hope you don&#39;t mind a random comment from a total stranger, but I was looking at blogs from some Chch, NZ people last night and yours popped up! :)<br /><br />I could not imagine just up and moving to a completely new country, but, you did pick a good place to move to...not that I&#39;m biased or anything! ;)Hollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09830340190187420600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-42871803243166973922011-01-16T04:42:24.310-08:002011-01-16T04:42:24.310-08:00We have just arrived back from camping and already...We have just arrived back from camping and already the street is just not the same without you. I already miss the impromptu street parties and the great energy you guys brought with you. Sounds like you have made the right decision and I can just see you at your desk with that wonderful view you have to suffer daily. Tell Richard I had a Summer Ale every night and thought of you each time I opened one - now that&#39;s a great legacy! Will be following your blog to see how you are doing and hope you will drop in and see us soon. xx :)higgsfamily05https://www.blogger.com/profile/07656958856817831022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-26782029837604480612011-01-15T02:45:23.948-08:002011-01-15T02:45:23.948-08:00Hey Amanda,
Thanks once again for the gift of co...Hey Amanda, <br /><br />Thanks once again for the gift of confidence you gave Grace in swimming! While we&#39;ll miss you, if things are falling so easily into place, it can only be the right thing. <br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />LisaLisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812250147239789033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3325825482334758302.post-79451872531176272122011-01-15T01:31:22.147-08:002011-01-15T01:31:22.147-08:00I&#39;ve come to believe that a decision made with...I&#39;ve come to believe that a decision made with courage and love can never end up being a bad thing.<br /><br />I&#39;m looking forward to following all of your adventures, and wish you all the love in the world.<br /><br />:)<br /><br />ValerieValerie Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17144896658431548065noreply@blogger.com